Mike Trout hit a solo home run and reached base four times, powering the Los Angeles Angels to a 3-0 victory over the Houston Astros in their season opener at Daikin Park. Right-hander José Soriano delivered six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in his first career Opening Day start. The win marked manager Kurt Suzuki's debut.
HOUSTON -- In the first game of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, veteran outfielder Mike Trout reminded fans of his elite status. Playing center field for the first time since April 29, 2024, Trout went 1-for-2 with a solo homer, three walks and a stolen base against the Astros. His performance made him the first Angels player to reach base safely four times on Opening Day since Darin Erstad in 2000. Trout also became the first in franchise history to start 14 Opening Days while playing at least 16 seasons with the club. The 34-year-old stole second in the first inning, showing improved speed after managing a knee injury that limited him to two steals in 130 games last year. His seventh-inning homer off reliever AJ Blubaugh traveled a projected 403 feet over the left-field train tracks, marking his fifth career Opening Day homer and extending his Angels record. Astros starter Hunter Brown struck out nine but threw 102 pitches over 4 2/3 innings. José Soriano earned the win, allowing two hits and four walks—including one intentional—while striking out seven. His fastball hit 101.3 mph, generating 19 swings and misses. The Angels improved to 2-11 in their last 13 openers and secured their first road Opening Day win since April 1, 2013, at Cincinnati.
